Volume 29, Issue 160, June 2025

Shin Splints - a hidden epidemic among runners and athletes: a review of the current state of knowledge

Przemysław Ciszewski^1,2♦, Alicja Drelichowska^1,2, Michał Azierski^1,2,3

¹Student Scientific Association of MedTech at the Center for Remote Learning and Educational Effects Analysis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
²Student Scientific Association for General Surgery at the Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Katowice, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland
³Student Scientific Association for Computer Analysis and Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Przemysław Ciszewski, Student Scientific Association of MedTech at the Center for Remote Learning and Educational Effects Analysis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland, Medyków 18, 40-762 Katowice, Poland

ABSTRACT

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are a common occurrence for runners and other athletes. It is characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, usually brought on by an excessive amount of strain on the muscles and bone. The purpose of this review paper is to analyze the current state of knowledge on the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of shin splints. The paper discusses key risk factors, such as biomechanical abnormalities in foot alignment, training intensity, nutritional factors, as well as gender and body mass index. The importance of excessive foot pronation and rapid increases in training volume in the development of MTSS is pointed out. Pathophysiological theories, such as periosteal inflammation and overload bone damage, are also presented to explain the mechanisms of injury. Clinical history and imaging studies, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows high sensitivity in detecting tibial lesions, play a key role in the diagnosis of MTSS. Treatment of shin splints requires a multifaceted approach, including rest, modification of training loads, physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Modern methods such as shock wave therapy and laser therapy are gaining ground, offering the possibility of faster tissue recovery. MTSS prophylaxis involves a gradual increase in training intensity, proper warm-up and optimization of running technique. The work points to the need for further research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic methods and more effective prevention in the athlete population.

Keywords: shin splints, medial tibial stress syndrome, runners

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e79ms3571

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i160.e79ms3571

Published: 07 June 2025